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Thursday, April 5, 2018

rodan + fields - an honest review - weeks 1-3

My interest in Rodan + Fields* began when I saw my co-worker's gorgeous long lashes and learned that she was using their Lash Boost serum. Quick backstory: about a year a half ago I tried eyelash extensions that left me with
broken and missing lashes that (combined with age) never fully came
back. I've also always had relatively pale lashes that look almost non-existent without makeup.

I originally planned to only purchase the Lash Boost serum, but last month's special was a free Lash Boost with the purchase of a skin care regimen. It was about $10 more for the skin care vs. the Lash Boost alone, so I decided to try both! Rodan + Fields isn't exactly cheap, so to save a few $$$, I enrolled in the PC Perks program for a one-time $19.95 enrollment fee and received 10% off plus free shipping (which was about $12 without enrollment). Every 60 days you receive an automatic delivery of subscription orders, but can cancel at any time.

To determine which skin care regimen is right for you, I recommend starting with the Solution Tool. Now that I'm on the downward slide of 35, I've noticed my skin has
become increasingly dull, and thanks to pregnancy melasma and the intense
Florida sun, spotted as well. Since my main concern is dullness and dark marks, I was matched to the Reverse Brightening regimen.

It takes approximately 12 weeks to experience results for the Reverse regimen and nine weeks for the Lash Boost serum. My plan is to share my experience with both products split into four, three-week increments. So without further ado here's my thoughts and results for weeks 1-3.

before and three weeks in without makeup

before and three weeks in with mascara

Lash Boost - Weeks 1-3

Week 1: The first time I applied the Lash Boost serum, I got it too far up on my eye lid and it turned the lid a dark reddish purple, which thankfully faded after a day or two. By day three my eyes looked like I had hay fever and where blood shot, dry and slight swollen. I was so disappointed and thought I would to have to discontinue use, but I decided to try it one more night. Thankfully the next morning I woke up with no redness/dryness. By the end of the first week, my eyes were just a touch drier than usual, but the baby hadn't been sleeping due to (pre) teething, so it could have been sleep deprivation. By the end of the week I felt like my lashes might be just a touch longer and maybe a hint darker, but no real noticeable change.

Week 2: My husband noticed that my lashes were a little bit longer this week -
so that's a plus! No dramatic results yet, but I didn't expect there
would be just two weeks in. I had some eyelid itching this week. Nothing unbearable, but annoying all the same.

Week 3: To be honest, I haven't noticed much of a difference in my lashes this
week. The top lashes are a touch darker, but the length seems
about the same. I've seen no difference in my bottom lashes yet. I've
still had some itching. I asked my Rodan + Fields rep about it and
she said that for some people itching means it's working and as long as it's not
too bothersome, it's nothing to worry about. No more eye dryness, so that's a plus.

before and three weeks in

Thoughts to far: I *think* maybe my lashes have gotten a smidgen longer, but as you can see in the photos, there's no real noticeable difference. I have noticed that they've gotten a little bit darker, which is nice. Honestly, I am a bit disappointed since online before and after photos with this product show a much more dramatic difference at this point, but I'll do my best to be patient and hope to share more exciting results by week 6.

Reverse weeks 1-3 no makeup (excuse the depressing before pic, not sure what I was thinking...)

Reverse Brightening Regime - Weeks 1-3

Week 1: Following instructions, I began using the Reverse regimen every other night (actually they recommend day, but night was easier for me). After the first week, I saw no real difference in my skin's appearance. It did however, make my skin super oily in the mornings - like oil slick greasy - and it was also more oily throughout the day. I also noticed my skin was more sensitive to the sun. On the fourth day I worked outside, and though I was barely in the sun, my face still burned. Along with the oil, I had an increase in breakouts. I searched online and learned about skin purging, which I *think* is what was going on.

Week 2: This week had me applying the regimen every night. By the end of the second week, my sister asked me what I was using on my skin because it looked great. Total win! Though there was no change in my discoloration and dark marks, my skin looked a lot more radiant and less dull. It also felt so much softer, almost dewy. Still oily with breakouts, but slightly less so than the first week.

Week 3: At this point, I've using Reverse morning and night. By the end of week three, my acne had calmed down somewhat, though I'm still having some breakouts. My skin is looking more luminous, though I haven't noticed much fading of my dark spots. My skin feels amazingly soft. Seriously, so so good.

Thoughts so far: There hasn't been a dramatic change in my skin, but this early on I really didn't expect there to be. I do love how soft my skin is feeling. At this point I'm not sure if the high price tag is worth it, but will reserve final judgement until the end of the 12 weeks.

Have you tried Rodan + Fields? I'd love the hear about your experience!